Manufacturing Skills Training Program

Manufacturing Skills
Training Program

Developing Maryland’s Workforce for Today’s Advanced Manufacturing Needs

The Manufacturing Skills Training Program, led by Maryland MEP, is a proven statewide initiative designed to elevate the capabilities of Maryland’s manufacturing workforce. This industry-driven program provides structured, high-impact training across people, process, and technology—ensuring that manufacturers can upskill their employees, improve operations, and remain competitive in a fast-evolving economy.

With a strong track record of results and robust employer engagement, the program focuses exclusively on incumbent workers, helping companies unlock productivity, enhance quality and safety, and retain top talent. The Manufacturing Skills Training Program offers a comprehensive portfolio of training tracks customized to the needs of manufacturers—from frontline supervisors to high-tech production teams.

Program Offerings

People-Focused Training

Supporting manufacturers’ most valuable asset: their people. These trainings build leadership capacity, strengthen communication, and drive team performance.

  • Exceptional Leader Program: A six-session series designed to enhance coaching, planning, and employee engagement skills for current managers.
  • Future Leaders Program: A seven-session leadership journey leveraging assessments like Myers-Briggs, Emotional Intelligence, and StrengthsFinder to build self-awareness and impactful leadership habits.
  • Basic Supervisor Training & Leadership Coaching: Practical skills-based training for new or emerging supervisors, followed by monthly coaching with company leadership.
  • HR Manufacturing Peer Group: A six-session peer exchange for HR professionals to collaborate on talent acquisition, compliance, employee development, and workforce trends.

Process-Focused Training

Empowering teams to implement continuous improvement strategies that boost quality and efficiency across operations.

  • Lean Principles & Techniques: Fast-paced, hands-on training covering value streams, waste reduction, and Lean tools.
  • 6S Workplace Organization: Practical tools to create cleaner, safer, and more efficient work environments.
  • Root Cause Corrective Action: Learn the 8D problem-solving method used by Fortune 500 companies to reduce recurring issues.
  • Value Stream Management: Train cross-functional teams to map current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and build actionable improvement plans.
  • Lean Six Sigma (White to Black Belt): Full-spectrum certification to reduce waste and enhance process quality.
  • ISO Certification Training: Prepares teams for compliance and operational excellence with international quality standards.
  • Safety Training: Covers OSHA, PPE, hazardous materials, fire safety, and more to promote a culture of workplace safety.

Technology-Focused Training

As Maryland manufacturers increasingly adopt automation, digital systems, and advanced technologies, the need for a highly skilled workforce continues to grow. This program supports employers in identifying, training, and retaining talent for technical roles such as technicians, machine operators, and programmers.

  • Robotics & Automation: Train workers on programming, maintenance, and safety protocols for robotic systems.
  • ERP Implementation & Training: Support for launching and managing enterprise resource planning systems that streamline operations.
  • Industry 4.0 Training: Covers IoT, AI, digital twins, big data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and augmented reality to prepare teams for the digital future.